Permitting reform can unlock America’s energy future

Published May 19, 2026 7:00am ET



In order to achieve energy dominance, America must commit to permitting reform.

I trained and worked as a geologist. I understand geologic time scales: slow processes unfolding over many years. Permitting large energy infrastructure too often mirrors that same slow pace, holding our country back when urgency is required. Worse yet, even projects that follow the rules, including engaging with communities, mitigating environmental impacts, and securing approvals, can lead to those approvals being arbitrarily reversed because of shifting political priorities.

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